Miguel Tejada likes Giants' chances

Veteran will play shortstop for World Series champs in '11

Miguel Tejada will be the new shortstop for the defending World Series champion Giants.

The 36-year-old thought that he missed his best chance to make the playoffs last year when the Padres were eliminated on the last day of the regular season. So when the Giants expressed interest in him, Tejada told his agent to put a deal together.

"This is a team that has a chance to be really good for a long time," Tejada told the San Jose Mercury News. "They already did it last year, and I think it's a team that can repeat. That's why I decided to come here."

Figueroa returns to Astros, eyes starting spot: Nelson Figueroa signed a one-year deal with the Astros.

Figueroa joined the Astros on July 21 from Philadelphia and was 5-3 with a 3.22. He appeared in 18 games, including 10 starts. His role for next season is uncertain.

"I'd love to be in the rotation," Figueroa told the Houston Chronicle. "I feel like I had a good showing last year in a small sample pool."

Jose Lopez brings versatility to Rockies: The Rockies acquired Jose Lopez from the Mariners for Minor Leaguer Chaz Roe. Lopez hit .239 with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs in 2010. He appeared in 142 games at third base but was the starting second baseman in 2009. He can also play shortstop and first base.

"He's a guy we've looked at for a long time," assistant general manager Bill Geivett told MLB.com. "We liked his versatility, and he's a right-handed bat. He also has some power potential. That's a pretty big ballpark in Seattle, and he's played in a division with Oakland and Anaheim, and those parks are not easy to hit the ball out of. We think he can do well at Coors Field."

Lopez is a career .266 hitter with 80 home runs and 431 RBIs in 873 games. In 2009, he hit 25 homers.

Stubbs prefers NL Central ballparks: Drew Stubbs, when recently asked about his favorite ballparks, was diplomatic and stayed in the National League Central.

"The most fun atmosphere is probably Wrigley," Stubbs told MLB.com. "The fans always make it fun, especially in the outfield where it's a non-stop party. St. Louis is also good because they have great fans there, and it's a nice ballpark."

Theriot seeking starting role with Cardinals: Newly acquired Ryan Theriot knows that nothing is guaranteed in St. Louis, but he has every intention of being a starter.

"I expect to play every day," Theriot told the Belleville News Democrat. "I think every player, as a competitor, should go in there with that mindset. I don't want to be that utility player. I want to be out there playing. I can't help a team if I'm sitting on the bench."

Thornton rolls out welcome mat for Dunn: Players on the White Sox are happy that Adam Dunn is bringing his power bat to the South Side.

"He's one of the true characters of baseball," new teammate Matt Thornton told MLB.com. "He's a fun person to be around, keeping things loose. Adam Dunn really is a great addition to any team."

Hawksworth cherished time with Cardinals: Blake Hawksworth, traded earlier this week by the Cardinals to the Dodgers, has no regrets about his time in St. Louis.

"It's exciting, man, but I have mixed emotions for sure," Hawksworth told FoxSportsMidwest.com. "Things can happen quickly. I had a nice talk with [Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak], and I really expressed to him my gratitude in all that he's done for me as a player. I've known him since I was 19. He saw me pitch in junior college and he stuck by me through the injuries. I owe not only him but Tony [La Russa] and all those guys a lot because they were really patient with me, and that means a lot."

Putz hopes to return to White Sox: J.J. Putz is free to sign with any team but says a return to the White Sox interests him.

"They view it as a business, so that's the way I have to look at it," Putz told MLB.com. "But it's no secret I very much enjoyed my time there."

Hinske back for another year in Atlanta: The Braves and veteran Eric Hinske agreed on a one-year deal with a club option on Thursday. There had been speculation that Hinske would be moving on, but both sides were happy to be able to work out a contract for next season.

"I'm happy," Hinske told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Milwaukee made a big push. I think it kind of boiled down to they weren't willing to give me a two-year deal. Neither was Atlanta, but if neither was going to, my heart was in Atlanta.

"We saw just how valuable he was for our club," general manager Frank Wren said. "Not only is he a guy that's able to come up and get big hits for you late in the game, but you can get him out there occasionally as an everyday player. And he provides valuable leadership in the clubhouse."

Vazquez plans to make his future with Marlins: On Thursday, the Marlins and Javy Vazquez finalized a one-year deal with a no-trade clause. Vazquez knows Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez, as both are from Puerto Rico and Rodriguez managed Vazquez's younger brother in the Minors.

"The biggest thing when you think of Javier Vazquez is just a true professional on and off the field," Marlins general manager Michael Hill told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "We know the competitor. We were very comfortable and confident in his ability to get people out."

"I have to do my job and do well for them," Vazquez said. "It would be great for me to have a good year and hopefully to keep pitching with the Marlins in the new stadium."

Takahashi signs two-year deal with Angels: The Angels and Hisanori Takahashi agreed to a two-year contract. Last year with the Mets, Takahashi performed in every role imaginable, from long man to starter to set-up guy to closer.

Manager Mike Scioscia told the Los Angeles Times, that Takahashi "has the ability to pitch anywhere from sixth inning on, and he gives us starting pitching depth, which is important."

Bedard appears on track for a return: The Mariners signed Erik Bedard to a one-year contract, contingent on him making the club out of Spring Training. Bedard has been injured the past three years and did not pitch in the Majors last year.

"All the reports that we've had are that he's ready to go," general manager Jack Zduriencik told the Seattle Times.